The lure of vintage clothing, a 100-year-old diary, and vivid recreations of turn-of-the-century New York City were too much to resist. I had to read Astor Place Vintage. After The Grapes of Wrath I needed a palate cleanser, so I fell for a bit of time travel and boutique shopping. Works for me.
The book was a quick read, and I relished the tale of two New York women: Amanda, the modern-day shopkeeper who sold vintage treasures, and Olive, the aspiring department store buyer from 1907 whose life went from riches to rags overnight. Despite the century between them, Amanda and Olive are connected. And it all begins with a diary Amanda discovers inside a fur muff. It's part of a stash of promising retro-wear belonging to 98-year-old Jane Kelly. It's there she starts reading about Olive, a young woman just moved to New York where her father manages the new Woolworth's. Her apartment at 29th and Madison has all the luxuries a young woman could need: hot and cold water, steam heat, electricity and long-distance telephone. Very posh.
Olive dreams about following in her father's footsteps and plans for a job as an assistant buyer. Although she's got plenty of experience, she hesitates asking her father for a reference. He'd never approve. Author Stephanie Lehmann lays the foundation of feminism early in the book as Olive faces one obstacle after another--all gender related. There are restrictions and limitations everywhere--from lodging and clothing choices to job prospects. Bad news for someone who just wants to be a successful working girl.
After only a month in the city, Olive--for reasons I can't divulge--finds herself on her own. She can't live in certain apartment buildings without a father, brother or spouse. Just wouldn't be proper. There are more personal struggles, too. She's driven to know about her body and sex and reproduction, but has no one to speak to--Olive's mother died in childbirth--and few written resources to consult. Lehmann does a good job defining the times here. Really, how did a young woman in 1907 learn the ways of the world? Did anyone ever speak candidly about, say, how to avoid pregnancy? Olive struggles with these topics throughout the story and often the medical information available to her and other women of the time is contrary to the facts as we know them today.
Amanda's issues in the modern day were just as vexing. She's battling insomnia, trying to keep her business afloat and presiding over a love life that is far from secure or fulfilling. During her sleepless nights she alters and repairs old clothes for her store while reading Olive's diary.
Anyone intrigued by life in the Victorian age will certainly be amused by all the references to life in the early 1900s. I was absorbed by all the descriptions of everyday life of the period. New York City's busy streets, its architecture and amusements were great fun to read. I also enjoyed reading about Olive's life as a shop girl and how she spent her time away from work. I admit that I found the chapters devoted to Olive and her friends more interesting than Amanda's life. Considering what Olive had to overcome, Amanda faced less struggle, at least to me. Her life was bumpy, for sure, and not without its challenge. I just think Olive's resolve was more appealing.
Push From the Book: It would be too predictable to write how this book made me appreciate my life as a 21st century woman, with all our access to information and opportunity. That message comes through loud and clear during most of the book. I don't need to repeat it here. I was originally hooked by the idea of reading about vintage clothes. I'm attracted to them and their lines, colors and shapes. But behind the retro fabrics and designs, there are stories. Who wore this? When? How did this dress make her feel? I'll think more about those questions next time I tie my mother's old scarf around my neck or pull on a pair of her gloves. The concept of stepping into another person's life via their clothes strikes my fancy.
